Answer: Brides ask me this all the time! I tell them that it really depends on the date and location of your wedding. Where you will be tying the knot, the time of year and the distance your guests will be traveling are important details that help determine the best time for you to send your save-the-dates. If you have set up a wedding website, be sure to include it on your save-the-date! This allows you to direct your guests to a more comprehensive outline of your celebration, including details that you may not be able to fit on a postcard such as accommodations, gift registries and timelines.

Destination weddings: (Block Island brides, this means you!)

To all of the lucky ladies who are tying the knot on Block Island, the Caribbean or any other “destination” location it’s customary to send out your save-the-dates well in advance! All of the typical deadlines are extended! Plan on mailing them between eight months to one year prior to your wedding date. If your wedding falls on a holiday, or long weekend when accommodations could fill up quickly, earlier is always better!

For example, if you’re tying the knot in September you should be finalizing your save-the-dates and getting them in the mail by the beginning of February. This will give your guests plenty of time to book their travel, save a bit and plan for any days off from work so they can join the celebration! Behind a bit? Invite those bridesmaids over for some wine and a little help stuffing, addressing and stamping!

Mainland celebrations:

For non-destination weddings, couples typically send save-the-dates between four to six months prior to their wedding date. Plan on sending save-the-dates to everyone you would like to invite to the wedding (your “A” list). Don’t forget your VIP’s like mom and dad, your bridesmaids and any siblings!

If you haven’t nailed down the design for your invitation suite or wedding palate, don’t worry! Instead of choosing a specific theme or color use a photo from your engagement session (what’s cuter than that!?!). There are several great online vendors such as: Wedding Paper Divas, Paper Source and Minted. The best part is you can always find coupons which make them super affordable!